Quantifying clean energy justice: Impact of Solarize programs on rooftop solar disparities in the Pacific Northwest

Min, Y., & Lee, H. W. (2024). Quantifying clean energy justice: Impact of Solarize programs on rooftop solar disparities in the Pacific Northwest. Sustainable Cities and Society, 104, 105287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2024.105287

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of rooftop solar deployment disparities in relation to Solarize programs in metropolitan cities in the Pacific Northwest. We introduce four equity domains and five disparity indices that encompass aspects of distributional and recognition justice, placing emphasis on spatial distribution and deployment patterns. We find that Solarize programs have a discernible impact on spatial and Gini disparities, with these disparities intensifying as installations increase. However, while spatial disparities rise with cumulative installations, Gini disparities consistently decrease over time. Interestingly, less advantageous communities exhibit heightened Gini disparities with cumulative installations, underscoring the need to focus on these communities. Additionally, communities with higher socioeconomic and demographic attributes exhibit more prominent Gini disparities, emphasizing the role of these attributes in shaping deployment disparities. Our results underscore the importance of considering spatial clustering tendencies in Solarize program advocacy and emphasize the pivotal role of community characteristics in rooftop solar deployment disparities. This study addresses energy equity trends with a unique focus on spatiotemporal dimensions, Solarize programs, and their impact on deployment disparities, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners striving for socially and physically resilient cities.